BUFFALO -- The hat trick Friday night by Brad Richards, the first of his 12-year career, should boost his sagging confidence, coach John Tortorella said. "He's been through a lot of the ups and downs," said Tortorella, who was behind the bench when Richards and Tampa Bay won the Stanley Cup in 2004. "He knows more is expected [of] him. He beats himself up, there's no question."

Richards, who scored 25 goals last season, had only seven coming into the game. He scored the seventh Thursday in the third period of a 6-1 win over the Panthers.

"It doesn't matter what the score of the game is or what the situation is; when an offensive guy gets a goal, it's good for him," Tortorella said. "Hopefully this will keep on helping his confidence and it keeps on going."

Thirteen Rangers, including Henrik Lundqvist, with an assist on the first goal of the game, hit the scoresheet in the 8-4 rout, a win that eliminated not only Buffalo but the Philadelphia Flyers from the playoff hunt.

The Rangers, who scored seven goals on 21 shots, last found the net eight times on Nov. 14, 2010, against the Edmonton Oilers.

Dorsett makes progress

Derek Dorsett, recovering from a broken clavicle suffered when he was with Columbus, was encouraged by his progress in the morning skate, saying he was able to start shooting pucks with some power . . . Brian Boyle (right leg) missed his second straight game. It is doubtful that he will be able to play against the Devils Sunday.

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